By Gary Smith, TrackAlerts.Com Contributor
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon ran away with the men’s team title at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Friday night to win back-to-back national titles.
The Ducks, who finished on top last season, broke away from the field on the first day and then held on for the national crown after tallying 85 points on the final day of competition on the men’s side.
Oregon celebrated its seventh NCAA outdoor championships title overall.
“Great day for the Ducks,” said UO coach Robert Johnson. “Great day to be a Duck.
“Great day, all Duckies. Unbelievable performance.”
Entering the day with 40 points already on the table, the hosts collected 45 more to finish well clear of pre-championships favourites Florida, who ended with 56 points, while Arkansas was third with 53 points.
The top five were completed by LSU (45) and USC (40.50).
Rounding out the top 10 finishers were Texas A&M (27), Texas (26), Miss State (20), Texas Tech (18), Illinois (17) and Penn State (17).
Oregon, who never really looked like being caught in the late stages of the championships, made sure the men’s team title would stay at home, after tallying 23 points in the men’s 5,000m.
Edward Cheserek completed a 10,000m/5,000m double after he ran 13:48.67 to win the latter – holding off teammate Eric Jenkins, who ran 13:48.92 for second place.
Senior Will Geoghegan just missed his team landing an event sweep when he was pushed back to third in 13:49.35.
The title winners also picked up big team points from Johnathan Cabral in the 110m hurdles and Marcus Chambers in the 400m.
TOP TEN FINISHERS
Place Men’s Team Score
1 Oregon 85.0
2 Florida 56.0
3 Arkansas 53.0
4 LSU 45.0
5 USC 40.50
6 Texas A&M 27.0
7 Texas 26.0
8 Miss State 20.0
9 Texas Tech 18.0
10 Illinois 17.0
10 Penn State 17.0
